Ariel Shnerer appointed general manager of Fight network

Combat sports broadcaster Fight Network has appointed Ariel Shnerer as its general manager.

The network (not to be mistaken with combat sports OTT service Fite) is a linear channel owned by Anthem Sports and Entertainment that broadcasts coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle across MMA and professional wrestling. It is available in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Shnerer is not a new hire for the broadcaster, and he has held various positions at Fight Network since joining the company in 2007. These titles include producer, programming and content manager, editorial supervisor and executive producer of FN Originals, Fight Network’s original production group. Most recently he was the senior director of programming, global distribution and communication for Anthem, where he led the launch of Impact Plus – the SVOD service dedicated to the pro wrestling promotion.

In his new role, Shnerer will oversee all Fight Network operations with a particular focus on growing revenue, building digital products, driving expansion to new markets and on new platforms, and leading the evolution of a new programming strategy.

Leonard Asper, founder and CEO of Anthem Sports and Entertainment, said: “Faced with significant opportunities to grow on the many emerging digital platforms, the demand for more original programming and the opportunity to fill the content gaps that exist in the fight space, we need to have experience in our leadership that covers combat sports programming, original content production and multi-platform distribution, and Ariel brings all of that and more. His deep experience with IMPACT Wrestling is also essential given its relationship with Fight Network, so this is a natural evolution of his role within Anthem.”

Shnerer said: “I am excited to expand my role with Anthem as we focus our efforts on growing Fight Network’s global reach. Our incredibly talented team has been producing critically acclaimed content across all combat sports genres and we look forward to expanding our footprint with new platforms and territories, while we establish strategic partnerships and cater to the latest content consumption methods.

“The show goes on at Fight Network during these challenging times we all face together, and we will be bolstering our programming line-up in April with new fight-themed movies from the award-winning Sony Pictures library. As we look ahead in the year, we will have many new live events and original productions to unveil, as well as renewed focus on expanding our boxing programming.”